(Newser)
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You've likely seen different names thrown around this summer in reference to the group that beheaded twoAmerican journalists and wreaked havoc in the Middle East. But which is the right one? Jonah Blank, formerly of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, tells NPR's Steve Inskeep that the Islamic State, the name favored by the group itself, isn't it. "They're claiming to represent all Muslims everywhere—they have declared the establishment of a new caliphate," he says. "So if they are to actually own this term, that'll be a huge propaganda victory for them." Plus, the "Islamic State" name gives members the impression that they're not terrorists but "freedom fighters," fighting for something that "has a real meaning" to Muslims, Blank says.

Some women who are named "Isis" aren't big fans of "ISIS," the short form for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, either, CNBC reports. Plus, that version of the name also spouts confusion. Syria is a direct translation of the term "al-Sham" within the group's Arabic name. However, that term actually means "Greater Syria," or "Syria, Lebanon, parts of Turkey, parts of what are now Jordan," Blank says. A little confusing, no? "The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" is less so, since the Levant is another name for the large region, Blank says, which is probably why President Obama favored "ISIL" in his prime-time address this week. However, as the region's borders have shifted over the years—once including Israel and Cyprus—that term, too, can be a bit hazy.

Two reasons Obumer uses ISIL. It insults Israel and Egypt has a god named ISIS. Simple if you were once a government insider.

Joe Wolfarth

Oct 23, 2014 9:18 PM CDT

Isis is the name of a well-loved ancient Egyptian Goddess... She is Probably PISSED that people are misusing her name in this way! But Islamic State sounds like a college that I would HATE to attend! I NEVER HEARD OF the International Society for Individual Liberty before... are they Nudists? How about rearranging the letters to form ISSI (rhymes with "Pissy" or "Sissy")...

Fear Propaganda

Sep 14, 2014 5:01 AM CDT

Democrats and Republicans are converging on this ISIS Propaganda. FOX, CNN, and MSNBC have successfully manipulated 50% of the population. Poll: 50% of americans do not trust the media.